-
I work with weekly individual sessions, online or face-to-face.
​​
-
I can speak English, Portuguese or French.
​
-
I am a member of the British Psychological Society (BPS), the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), and the United Kingdom Association of Gestalt Practitioners (UKAGP).
Hello and welcome to my page!
I initially qualified as a Clinical Psychologist in Brazil, where I started my private practice. Later, I moved to the UK, where I qualified as a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor. As I believe in the importance of continued training, I am currently specializing as a Gestalt Psychotherapist. My private practice is in London Bridge, very close to the station.
​
Therapy is a process of growth and self-discovery. My approach as a therapist is warm and empathic, as, before anything, it is vital that my clients feel safe and supported. I offer to walk this journey beside you, helping to untangle thoughts and feelings that have been forgotten, shut down, or unseen.
​
Being a foreigner in the UK and having lived in different countries (Brazil, France, and Canada), I offer a multi-cultural, open-minded, and non-judgmental approach.
I currently work in the NHS and in private practice. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, panic attacks, bereavement, infertility, low self-esteem, sexuality, aging, abusive relationships, separation/divorce, HIV, amongst other things.
​
If you would like an initial session to discuss your goals and expectations, please reach out. I like to say that therapy is always a good commitment you can do with yourself! It is a great starting point.
​
​
"Freedom is what we do with what is done to us"
Jean-Paul Sartre
My way of working
I have seen many people change their lives by gaining a new understanding of themselves and this is what makes me passionate about therapy.
​
I understand that mind and body are connected, so if you are struggling with your mental health, that will certainly also affect how you feel in your physical health. Have you noticed tense shoulders, back pain, headaches? Maybe they have something to do with how you have been feeling lately, how much time you give to yourself, or painful ruminating thoughts that keep coming back.
​
The focus of my work is to increase freedom, self-awareness, and choices for my clients. I believe in the human's natural ability to survive and adapt to life situations. Some of these adaptations can however become unhelpful over time, and before we notice, we can be repeating patterns that keep us stuck. When this moment arrives, I can support you to find your own ways out.
​
I work with my clients in the present moment, which means also exploring how your past influences the way you exist in the world today.
With a gentle balance between support and challenge, we can explore your feelings, thoughts, behaviours and goals for therapy. I follow my client's pace and complete regular reviews of the work with you, so we can both check in on how the work is progressing.
​
If you would like to talk more, please leave me a message and I will get back to you.
​
See you soon,
Raphaela.
​
Contact Me
-
Sessions in Central London:
​
80 Borough High Street, London Bridge, SE1 1LL
​
-
Online sessions (virtual office):
https://whereby.com/raphaela-fontenelle
​
The online sessions are held through this safe and confidential online platform. There is no need to download an app.
You can just click the link to my virtual office and join from your phone or laptop.
Any questions? Want to start today?
Leave me a message and I will get back to you soon!
Other Resources
If we’re not able to find a time for an appointment, other therapists I would recommend are :
Julie Nathanson (Hampton/Twickenham)
​
Daisy Beckham (King's Cross and Angel)
​
Sarah Shoraka (East Cornwall)
​
The charity Mind has a number of resources for those who need help coping or are in a crisis.
​
If you’d like to speak to someone urgently, you can always phone Samaritans on 116 123 or text Shout on 85258 anytime of the day or night.
Those under 19 can contact Childline on 0800 1111.